Second, while his critics accuse him of “liberal orientalism”, the unfortunate reality is that there are many individuals living in repressive regimes that are unable or afraid to speak out on these issues. In many societies, LGBT organisations are barely tolerated, if not completely outlawed, and sexual rights activists risk persecution merely for speaking out.

Repressive regimes are notorious for blocking sexual content of all kinds, often under the guise that it is “unhealthy” or “immoral”. However, the findings of the EROTICS research reveal that the landscape of sexuality on the internet is far more complex. Such blanket bans on sexual content for the purpose of enforcing a narrow and outdated concept of sexuality is a violation of citizens’ right to freedom of expression.